Exploratorium
What the experts agree on
A hands-on science and art museum on the Embarcadero with 600+ interactive exhibits exploring perception and how the world works. Playful enough for kids, engaging enough for curious adults.
“San Francisco's newly reopened hands-on science museum. ”
– Atlas Obscura
"Walking into this fascinating "museum of science, art, and human perception" is like visiting a mad-scientist's laboratory." Full review
"Adults as well as kids will enjoy blowing giant bubbles or entering a tiny room that scrambles one's sense of perspective."
"Scientific American magazine rated the Exploratorium "the best science museum in the world" -- and I couldn't agree more." Full review
Top choice
"Find answers to questions you wished you'd learned in school, at San Francisco's thrilling hands-on science museum." Full review
"Prepare to spend several hours here; rotating exhibits like “Making Sense of Sound,” where visitors don headphones to hear how deer, snakes, and other creatures process sound." Full review
"Designed... to teach you about science and perception through play." Full review
i
New, larger, oceanfront location and excellent restaurant
"Experimental hands-on museum of science, art, and human perception."
2 Stars
"This innovative museum of science, art and human perception has served as a model for similar science museums around the world since its opening in 1969." Full review
"This is not, however, a museum simply for kids—though curious kids will definitely be entertained while learning. Instead, its exhibits aim to raise the scientific literacy of visitors of all ages." Full review
"This educational center offers an array of interactive scientific exhibits and hands-on displays that stimulate the senses and minds of the young and old alike." Full review